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Asheville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
Asheville Pedestrian Accident Attorney
A pedestrian accident can result in catastrophic damage to victims. If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident that was caused by a reckless or negligent driver, you have a right to seek compensation for your suffering and economic losses. You should contact an Asheville pedestrian accident lawyer as soon as possible to explore your legal options.
Our team of dedicated personal injury lawyers at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices can help you in the wake of your pedestrian accident. We have over thirty years of experience supporting Asheville residents after pedestrian accidents and can approach your case with care and compassion. We fight for our clients aggressively and leave no stone unturned in the fight for justice.
What Is a Pedestrian Accident?
If you are crossing a street and are struck by a vehicle, like a car, truck, or motorcycle, you are involved in a pedestrian accident. There are many different causes for pedestrian accidents, all of which typically involve driver negligence.
- Speeding: If a driver is going too fast, they might not be able to slow down in time to yield to a pedestrian, leading to a painful collision.
- Severe Weather: Sometimes, extreme weather, such as rain and snow, can make it difficult for a driver to see the roads and result in a pedestrian collision. Drivers are thus responsible for exercising extreme caution in bad weather.
- DUIs: If a driver is operating their vehicle under the influence of mind-altering substances like alcohol or drugs, they can make reckless decisions that lead to a pedestrian accident.
- Distractions: From phones to other passengers, there is no shortage of distractions for drivers. If a driver loses focus on the road, they could strike someone who is walking.
- Illegal Turns: All too often, drivers think they can save time or redirect themselves by making a quick turn that is against the law. This can result in a fatal accident, so it is important to always follow the rules of the road.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident?
If you were in a pedestrian accident in Asheville, NC, you should call 911 for help immediately. You need to report the accident and request medical assistance right away. Even if you do not think that you are hurt, it’s useful to be checked by a medical professional. You might have injuries that you are not aware of. Your medical records can also serve as evidence when you file a personal injury claim.
While you are waiting for assistance, try to get to a safe place. If possible, take photos or videos of the scene and exchange information with the driver. If the driver drove away, it is not your responsibility to find them. The police will work on finding them, and you can recall details and potentially communicate with witnesses who can provide other information about what happened.
After you are safe, you should reach out to a pedestrian accident attorney. Your attorney can walk you through what happens next and fight on your behalf to seek compensation for what you went through. If you were hurt, you would likely want to file a claim with the driver’s auto insurance company. Investigators at the insurance company will look into your claim and determine how much compensation you are entitled to.
Why Do You Need a Personal Injuries Attorney?
If you are hurt by a negligent driver, you might assume that the process of receiving compensation will be simple. However, it can be complicated. Auto insurance companies prioritize profit, so you might see less compensation than you deserve without a dedicated personal injury lawyer in Asheville, NC, working on your case. Your attorney can:
- Provide Legal Advice: Navigating the process of seeking compensation after a pedestrian injury can be difficult. It can be especially overwhelming to try to go it alone while dealing with the physical and emotional toll of severe injuries. Your lawyer can reduce some of your stress by carefully evaluating your case and providing informed advice about how to proceed.
- Collect Evidence: In order to secure adequate compensation for your needs, you will need to provide investigators with detailed medical records and other pieces of evidence that illustrate the extent of your injuries. Your lawyer can take care of this so that you have a strong claim.
- Negotiate With Insurance Companies: Sometimes, there are complications with the insurance companies involved in a claim or a need for clarification. Your personal injury attorney can communicate with your insurance company to ensure that all your rights are protected.
- Represent You in Court: Not all pedestrian accident cases go to court. However, in the event that yours does, you can rest assured that your personal injury attorney will be there to advocate on your behalf. They can present evidence to the court to show proof of the defendant’s breach of duty and its direct connection to all of the damages you suffered.
What Can You Seek Compensation for After a Pedestrian Accident?
After you are in a pedestrian accident, you will likely face a wide range of expenses that you should not have to pay for on your own. By filling a personal injury claim, you can seek a financial settlement that goes toward your:
- Medical Bills: You should not have to pay the price of your medical care if you were hurt by a negligent driver. When you file your personal injury claim, you can use your medical records as evidence of the bills you have had to pay as a result of the accident.
- Lost Income: If you have to take a significant period of time off of work while you are recovering from your auto accident, you might lose some income. Your compensation from the at-fault party can cover this.
- Catastrophic Injury: If you are left with a long-term or permanent injury that leaves you unable to perform normal daily activities, you are facing what is known as a catastrophic injury. For example, severe burns and amputations qualify as catastrophic injuries. If you are dealing with such an injury, you will need consistent, expensive care that your financial settlement should cover. Examples of catastrophic injuries include traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis.
- Mental Suffering: Being hurt in a car accident can leave you with mental scars as well as physical ones. You are entitled to compensation for your emotional distress as well as your physical injuries.
- Wrongful Death: In the tragic case that you lost someone you love in a pedestrian accident, you can still seek a financial settlement. Of course, no amount of money can bring your loved one back, but the settlement can go toward a variety of expenses surrounding the loss.
Asheville Pedestrian Accident FAQs
Q: What Is a Pedestrian Collision?
A: A pedestrian collision occurs when a vehicle, like a car or truck, hits a person who is walking. When this occurs, the driver can cause catastrophic damage, as the size and speed difference between the vehicle and the pedestrian is immense. If you are hurt in a pedestrian collision, you should seek medical attention immediately and then consult with a personal injury attorney about how to seek justice and secure compensation.
Q: What Is the Charge of Hit and Run in Asheville, NC?
A: North Carolina laws take hit-and-run cases seriously. When you hit a pedestrian with your vehicle and fail to stop, you could be facing a Class F or Class H felony if someone was injured or killed. This can lead to costly fines, up to 41 months in jail, and loss of your driver’s license for up to two years. You can also face misdemeanor charges for failing to report an accident to the police.
Q: Where Do Pedestrian Collisions Typically Occur?
A: Pedestrian collisions can occur anywhere, so it is important to always be on guard for pedestrians as a driver. It is also always vital that pedestrians watch for cars when they are crossing a road. In particular, pedestrian collisions often occur in urban areas and in parts of the road that are not intersections.
Q What Is the Main Cause of Pedestrian Accidents?
A: There are many causes of pedestrian accidents, including distracted driving, speeding, driving under the influence, and making illegal turns. It is critical for drivers to stay focused, follow the rules of the road, and always yield to pedestrians in order to avoid pedestrian accidents.
Asheville Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – Free Consultation
If you have been in a pedestrian accident in Asheville, North Carolina, you should contact a personal injury lawyer today. You’ll want to rely on someone with knowledge of local law and a proven track record of success standing up for those injured in pedestrian accidents. Look no further than our experienced team at Bridgman Gantt Law Offices.
No matter what you went through in your accident, we are here to support you. We can carefully evaluate your case and determine how to proceed effectively to maximize your recovery. Contact us today for a free, no-pressure consultation about your case.
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2125 Southend Dr. Suite 453
Charlotte, NC 28203
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Charlotte Office 704-815-6055
Asheville Office 828-252-2852
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Asheville North Carolina
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